The Cupertino community mourns the loss of former councilmember Hung Wei, who passed away from lung cancer on August 28.
Wei, who was first elected in 2020 with the highest vote total in city history, was widely regarded as a tireless community builder whose service spanned the Fremont Union High School District board of trustees, Rotary (past president and district governor), the YMCA (board chair and member), the Fremont Union High Schools Foundation, and numerous community organizations.
Wei’s public service was defined by a pro-housing, pro-economic development approach. On the dais, she formed part of the council’s development-friendly majority, alongside Councilmembers Sheila Mohan and J.R. Fruen, that supported moving forward with The Rise, a project proposing nearly 2,700 homes, including 890 affordable units, plus office and retail at the vacant Vallco Mall site. That stance often put the trio at odds with Councilmember Kitty Moore and Councilmember Liang Chao, who pressed for deeper scrutiny of large projects and greater neighborhood input.
Last year, after announcing she would suspend her re-election campaign to focus on treatment for Stage 4 lung cancer, Wei reentered the race, citing encouragement from supporters.
“I received so many emails and phone calls from supporters in Cupertino who would like me to continue to campaign to serve the city,” she said in a video message. “Since my name is still on the ballot, if elected I am committed to serving Cupertino for the next four years.”
Perhaps attributed to her limited ability to run a robust campaign as she battled cancer, Wei ultimately lost her reelection bid in the 2024 council race.
Tributes poured in following her passing. In a Facebook post, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin said, “Our community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Hung Wei. Hung was a devoted public servant and a tireless advocate for Cupertino… Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to public service touched so many lives… May her memory be a blessing.”
Former Assemblymember Evan Low wrote on Facebook, “We will hold our memories of you oh so very tight, Hung Wei. Your legacy of service, joy, and love will continue to shine in the City of Cupertino and beyond. The city was lucky to have you as mayor.”
Wei’s re-election bid had come amid a sharply contested debate over Cupertino’s growth trajectory. On one side, Wei and former mayor Rod Sinks argued it was time to deliver housing and amenities at The Rise after years of debate. On the other, Moore and former planning commissioner R. “Ray” Wang sought to flip the council majority, emphasizing environmental review, affordability enforcement, and transparency. The outcome would have determined whether the city maintained the development-friendly majority forged in 2022 when voters elected Fruen and Mohan.
A memorial service for Hung Wei will be held Thursday, Sept. 4, at Alameda Family Funeral and Cremation (12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga, CA 95070). Doors open at 9:00 a.m.; ceremony 9:30–10:30 a.m.; visitation 10:30–11:00 a.m. A livestream will be available for remote attendees.
Cupertino expresses our deepest sympathy to Wei’s family and friends and our appreciation for her service to the community. Her legacy, rooted in service, consensus-building, and a belief that Cupertino can be both inclusive and forward-looking, will shape Cupertino for generations to come.